The Newly Passed Brandon Act Will Provide Military Members With Confidential Mental Health Care Services
Brandon Caserta served in the US Navy. His parents say bullying by a supervisor and hazing led to depression, and Brandon’s concerns went unaided.
Two words, “Brandon Act,” may soon save the lives of military service members. That’s because Patrick and Teri Caserta don’t want anyone else’s child to die by suicide like their son.
Brandon Caserta served in the US Navy. His parents say bullying by a supervisor and hazing led to depression, and Brandon’s concerns went unaided.
“They told him to suck it up and get back to work,” Patrick Caserta said.
After Brandon died in 2018, the Casertas say they found letters from their son saying he hoped to prevent suicides in the military, and now Patrick and Teri have taken up his cause.
The Brandon Act passed through the U.S. Senate last week. Once President Biden signs it into law, service members can receive confidential mental health care and bypass the traditional chain of command by stating they have a “Brandon Act” concern.
“It is a life-saving tool, and it empowers service members to get mental health help when they need it, as they need it,” Caserta added.
